(Photo Credit: Stephanie G. Mangum Hoefsmit)
A couple of weeks ago, I was given the privilege of going to Joni & Friends Family Retreat in New Hampshire with two of my adult children with special needs: Sam, who is 32 with pretty much non-verbal autism, and Jessica, who is 42 with Prader-Willi Syndrome.
To any of you who may not know what “Joni & Friends” is – it is a taste of heaven on earth! A place where families like ours can experience unspeakable joy. It is a place where our children are loved and accepted for who they are and celebrated, as we ALL have a place and purpose in the body of Christ. Our kiddos are paired up with an STM (Short-Term Missionary or a buddy, if you will), who hangs out with our kids while the parents or caregivers have their sessions.
A fellow mom captured the above picture. This particular night, there was a special banquet for the parents/caregivers while our loved ones were with their STMs, followed by a night of dancing for all.
For those who may not know me, I am not the dancer in the family, LOL! I often tell the story of the Christmas my husband bought me a ten-week dance class lessons for couples. Of the twenty or so couples there, I was the only wife dragged by my husband – the others were all husbands dragged by their wives, hahaha!
So… for someone to have captured this picture is just shy of a miracle! This picture speaks to me of all the times I would grab Sam’s hands as he grew up and dance with him in my kitchen or living room. He would always smile and humor me because he loved the connection. He loves music, and he loves to feel a part of something, as much as he may resist it. The wonderful thing about Joni & Friends is that it’s a judgment-free zone. Our children are allowed to be who they are without judgment, and in the same breath, as I danced freely with Jess and Sam that night, I was free too!
Life in the world of special needs is like a dance – sometimes it’s fast-paced and out of control, sometimes it’s slow and close up, and you can catch your breath (or maybe the beauty up close takes your breath away), and sometimes it is hysterical (like the chicken dance) – where everyone is just enjoying it all! I believe we all have special needs of one sort or another. We all need the Savior to guide us. Each step is an experience following the One who leads. Enjoy the music. Embrace the Master’s lead and trust Him as He guides you – You will experience the dance of a lifetime! ❤
SHEILA BOUCHARD 